Shih Lei had scarcely returned to the residence when an imperial decree arrived from the palace.
Two consecutive decrees.
The first decree conferred upon him the noble title of Marquis of Garrison Commander, along with a residence befitting his rank, and countless riches of gold and silver.
The subsequent decree bestowed marriage between Marquis Shih Lei and Princess Feiluan.
"Thank you for Your Majesty’s gracious kindness." Shih Lei bowed deeply, more sincerely than ever before.
The eunuch delivering the decree noticed his reddened forehead, marveling at the sincerity of the Marquis, unlike others who would rely go through the motions.
But he wasn’t aware of how long Shih Lei had awaited this day, how much he had endured.
Qu Feiluan’s age was already considerable, making the Emperor and Empress anxious. This ti, it was a rare occasion where she personally agreed to the marriage, prompting the Emperor to summon the Imperial Astronomical Observatory the following day to select an auspicious date.
The closest date, however, was two months away.
In this dynasty, a princess’s grand wedding preparations typically began at least six months beforehand, never as rushed as this.
If it were any other princess, it might be said she wasn’t favored, and her dowry would surely be diluted.
But when it ca to Gu Shengyin, no one dared think so.
After all, Princess Feiluan was never one to act according to convention.
Moreover, the Emperor and Empress personally oversaw everything in the palace, ensuring the gifts accompanying Princess Feiluan were ticulously inspected by the Empress herself.
The Emperor even ordered his personal Treasury to be opened, seemingly determined to deplete its contents to supplent for his daughter.
Watching this, the old eunuch who had served him for decades couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: with such arrangents, one might mistakenly think that Princess Feiluan was marrying off to so distant, desolate land never to return.
My dear Majesty, Her Royal Highness the Princess remains here in the capital.
In any case, with such attitudes from the Emperor and Empress, none below dared to neglect anything, preparing only the best and most exquisite items.
Two months later.
A procession adorned in red stretched for ten miles.
From the palace gates to the Princess Mansion.
Shih Lei sat astride a tall steed, gazing at the sea of red, feeling an unreal sensation within.
Five years ago, he t the woman whose beauty likened to a fairy and followed her from the mountains.
Initially, all he desired was to remain by her side.
Now, finally, he could legitimately bring her under his wing.
Residence of the Marquis of the Garrison Commander.
Everyone could see that today, the Marquis was in excellent spirits.
His handso face bore a faint smile, even his aura softened.
Indeed, one of life’s three great joys—wedding night.
Especially when the bride was such a world-class beauty; what man wouldn’t be elated?
Several n once spurned by Gu Shengyin harbored envious thoughts, plotting discreetly to get this lucky fellow drunk.
Shih Lei feigned ignorance, accepting all who approached.
Ultimately, the outco was the Marquis gracefully departing, leaving a heap of bodies on the ground.
Many of Shih Lei’s battle-seasoned subordinates scoffed at those pretentious gentlen.
The Marquis, with his insurmountable capacity for alcohol—those pretty boys thought they could best him?
Utterly delusional!
In truth, Shih Lei felt slightly intoxicated.
Yet he couldn’t discern whether it was the wine, or the pervasive redness that inebriated him.
She awaited him within the room.
He strode steadily towards the bridal chamber.
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